Pazopanib

Pazopanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) medication used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Specifically, it targets receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors. These RTKs include vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs), and c-Kit.

Pazopanib is typically administered orally and is approved for use in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer. It is also approved for the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in patients who have received prior chemotherapy.

Common side effects associated with pazopanib include fatigue, diarrhea, hypertension, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, rash, hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), hair color changes, and liver function abnormalities. More serious side effects can include cardiac dysfunction, bleeding, and wound healing complications.

Patients taking pazopanib require close monitoring by their healthcare providers to manage potential side effects and to assess the drug's effectiveness. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on individual patient responses and tolerance.

Pazopanib is typically prescribed by oncologists and its use should be guided by current clinical guidelines and the patient's overall medical condition.

Contraindications and interactions with other medications should be carefully evaluated before initiating pazopanib therapy.